Other Election Information

2002 Gubernatorial Election

2001-2002 Election Calendar

All references to "Article 33" mean Article 33 of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

All references to "COMAR" mean the Code of Maryland Regulations.

In accordance with Article 33, § 1-301 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, if a computation of time requires an act to be performed on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the act shall be performed on the next regular business day.

If the law does not prescribe a specific time for a deadline, the regular close of business of the relevant election office will be applied.

2001

May 1, 2001; TuesdayReferendum on Acts of 2001 General Assembly: Deadline for filer to submit request to the State Board for advance determination of sufficiency of the filers petition format At least 30 days prior to the deadline to file the petition.Article 33, §6-210

May 31, 2001; Thursday By midnightDeadline for submission of at least one-third of referendum petition signatures concerning an Act of the 2001 General Assembly Petitions are filed with the Secretary of StateMD Const. Art. XVI, §3(b)

June 30, 2001; Saturday By midnightDeadline for balance of referendum petition signatures concerning Acts of the 2001 General AssemblyPetitions are filed with the Secretary of StateMD Const. Art. XVI, § 3(b)

November 8, 2001; ThursdayAnnual/ 1-year Post-General Campaign Fund Report for all continuing and open non-continuing campaign accountsMust include all transactions from last required report through November 1, 2001Article 33, §13-401(b)(1), (d)(1)

2002

February 1, 2002; Friday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request first distribution of public funds in Primary Applies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public fundingArticle 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

April 2, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request second distribution of public funds in Primary Applies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public fundingArticle 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

May 1, 2002; WednesdayOn Acts of 2002 General Assembly: Deadline for filer to submit request to the State Board for advance determination of sufficiency of the filers petition format At least 30 days prior to deadline to file petition but not more than 2 years and one month prior to deadline to file petitionArticle 33, §6-210

May 7, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request third distribution of public funds in Primary Applies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public fundingArticle 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

May 31, 2002; Friday By midnightDeadline for submission of at least one-third of referendum petition signatures concerning an Act of the 2002 General AssemblyPetitions are filed with the Secretary of State. MD Const. Art. XVI, § 3(b)

June 4, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request fourth distribution of public funds in PrimaryApplies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public fundingArticle 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

June 11, 2002; TuesdayDeadline to change polling placesBeginning the Tuesday that is 13 weeks prior to the PrimaryArticle 33, §2-303(b)

June 17, 2002; Monday By 9:00 PMDeadline for change of party affiliationMonday that is 12 weeks before the Primary (until registration reopens after the Primary)Article 33, §3-303(a)(1)

June 30, 2002; Sunday By midnightDeadline for balance of referendum petition signatures concerning Acts of the 2002 General AssemblyPetitions are filed with the Secretary of State.MD Const. Art. XVI, §3(b)

July 1, 2002; Monday By 9:00PMDeadline for candidate to file declaration of intent to seek nomination by petitionDate and time specified for candidate to file certificate of candidacyArticle 33, § 5-703(c)(3)(i)

July 1, 2002; Monday By 9:00PMDeadline for candidate to file certificate of candidacy To run in a party primaryMonday that is 10 weeks or 70 days before PrimaryArticle 33, §5-303(a)(1)

July 1, 2002; Monday By 9:00PMDeadline for candidate to file notice of intent to qualify for public funding in Primary and certification that seed money has been raisedCandidates for Governor and Lt. Governor only Article 33, §15-104(c)(1), COMAR 33.14.02.03

July 2, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request fifth distribution of public funds in PrimaryApplies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public funding.Article 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

July 8, 2002; MondayDeadline for new party to submit request to the State Board for advance determination of sufficiency of the format of the filers petition formatAt least 30 days prior to deadline to file petition, but not more than 2 years and one month prior to deadline to file petitionArticle 33, §6-210

July 8, 2002; MondayDeadline for filer to submit request to the State Board for advance determination of sufficiency of the format of the filer's nominating petitionAt least 30 days prior to deadline to file petition, but not more than 2 years prior to deadline to file petitionArticle 33, §6-210

July 8, 2002; General Assembly candidates and Central Committee candidates running by Legislative District should consult the supplemental calendar.

July 11, 2002; Thursday By 5:00PMDeadline for withdrawal of candidacy before Primary 10 days after filing deadlineArticle 33, §5-502(a)

July 15, 2002; MondayDeadline for filer to submit a request to Local Board for advance determination of sufficiency of the filers charter amendment petition format. At least 30 days prior to deadline to file petition but not more than 2 years and one month prior to deadline to file petitionArticle 33, §6-210

July 16, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline for central committee to file certificate of designation to fill candidate vacancy5th day after date on which candidates may withdraw their candidacies before Primary Article 33, §5-901(e)

July 18, 2002; General Assembly candidates and Central Committee candidates running by Legislative District should consult the supplemental calendar.

July 22, 2002; MondayDeadline for State Board to certify content and arrangement of each ballot50 days before PrimaryArticle 33, § 9-207(a)(1)

July 23, 2002; General Assembly candidates and Central Committee candidates running by Legislative District should consult the supplemental calendar.

July 27, 2002; General Assembly candidates and Central Committee candidates running by Legislative District should consult the supplemental calendar.

July 29, 2002; MondayDeadline for Local Board to display content and arrangements of all BallotsWithin 5 days of certificationArticle 33, §9-207(d)

August 1, 2002; General Assembly candidates and Central Committee candidates running by Legislative District should consult the supplemental calendar.

August 5, 2002; Monday By 5:00PMDeadline for filing new party petitionFirst Monday in August (no petitions through November 18, 2002, when voter registration re-opens)Article 33, §4-102(c)(2)(ii)

August 5, 2002; Monday By 5:00PMDeadline for General Election petition candidate to file certificate of candidacy and nominating petitionFirst Monday in AugustArticle 33, §5-703(d) & (f)

August 6, 2002 Tuesday By 5:00 PMDeadline to request sixth distribution of public funds in PrimaryApplies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public funding.Article 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

August 12, 2002; MondayBy 5:00PMDeadline for filing charter-related petitionsSecond Monday in August, petitions are filed with Mayor of Baltimore City or with President of County Council. MD Const. Art. XI-A, §5 Article 33, §7-105(b)

August 12, 2002 [Per HB 123]; MondayDeadline for SBE to certify to local boards questions referred to voters of one county, or part of one county, by General AssemblySecond Monday in AugustArticle 33, §7-103(c)(2)

August 13, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline for first Pre-Primary Campaign Fund ReportFourth Tuesday before the Primary, applies to continuing campaign accounts and 2002 non-continuing accounts (covers activity through August 6)Article 33, §13-401(a)(1)

August 13, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline for Affidavit of Non-ParticipationApplies to continuing accounts only, filed in lieu of first Pre-Primary ReportArticle 33, §13-401(d)(2)

August 19, 2002 [Per HB 123]; MondayDeadline for Secretary of State to certify statewide ballot questions and all questions relating to Acts of the General Assembly petitioned to referendumThird Monday in AugustArticle 33, §7-103(c)(1)

August 19, 2002 [Per HB 123]; MondayDeadline for County Attorney to certify to local board each question (other than a statewide question, a question submitted by the General Assembly, or a question relating to an Act of the General Assembly) to be voted on in one county, or part of one countyThird Monday in AugustArticle 33, §7-103(c)(3)(i)

August 20, 2002; Tuesday By 9:00PMLast day to register to vote before Primary21st day before electionArticle 33, §§2-302(a)(2)(ii) and 3-302(a)(3)

August 20, 2002; TuesdayDeadline to request voter registration lists (New requests will not be taken until registration reopens on 09/23/2002)On or before voter registration deadlineCOMAR 03.03.02.05(c)

August 20, 2002; Tuesday By 9:00PMDeadline for elderly or disabled voter to apply for reassignment to an accessible polling placeClose of voter registration for electionArticle 33, §10-102(b)

August 26, 2002; Monday Deadline for local boards to verify and count signatures on nominating new party petitionsWithin 20 days after the petition is filedArticle 33, § 6-210(c)

August 26, 2002 [Per HB 123]; MondayDeadline for clerk of circuit court to certify to local board any question to appear on ballot in one, or part of one countyFourth Monday in August, applies if County Attorney has not timely certified questionArticle 33, §7-103(c)(3)(ii)(a)(3)

August 28, 2002; WednesdayDeadline for certification as to sufficiency of nominating and new party petitionsWithin 2 business days after verification and counting completed, deadline extended if judicial review is pendingArticle 33, §6-210(d)

September 3, 2002; Tuesday By 4:30PM or before midnight if by FAXDeadline for receipt of Absentee Ballot application for PrimaryTuesday before electionCOMAR 33.11.02.02D

September 3, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline to request seventh distribution of public funds in Primary Applies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public funding.Article 33, §15-104(c)(1) COMAR 33.14.02.06

September 3, 2002; TuesdayDeadline to request judicial review of any determination about sufficiency of a petition to place a candidate or question on General Election ballot63rd day before General ElectionArticle 33, §6-210(e)(2)

September 4 -- September 10, 2002; 9/10/02 -- Tues. By 8:00PMPeriod for receipt of late Absentee Ballot application for Primary from voter or authorized agentWednesday before election through closing of polls on election dayCOMAR 33.11.02.04A

September 10, 2002; Tuesday By 8:00PMDeadline for receipt of Primary Absentee BallotsAn Absentee Ballot is timely received if it reaches the local board before the polls close on election day, regardless of whether it came by mail or personal deliveryCOMAR 33.11.03.08

September 10, 2002 Tuesday By 8:00PMExtended deadline for receipt of Voter Registration Application (VRA) by mail, for voting in PrimaryA VRA received by mail after the August 20 deadline is timely if it is postmarked, by the U.S. Post Office or the postal service of any other country, or in certain cases if the applicant's affidavit shows that it was mailed, on or before August 20Article 33, §3-302(c) COMAR 33.05.04.01C,D

September 11, 2002; Wednesday By 4:00PMExtended deadline for receipt of Primary Absentee Ballots by mailPostmark must show that ballot was mailed before election day. In certain cases when a postmark is unavailable, a voter affidavit will suffice.COMAR 33.11.03.08

September 20, 2002; FridayDeadline for local boards to verify Primary vote countWithin 10 days after election, and before certifying results of the electionArticle 33, § 11-306(a)

September 20, 2002 Or 48 hours after Completion of canvass; FridayLocal boards report official Primary results of canvassers to Governor, SBE, and clerk of circuit courtSecond Friday after Primary, or if canvass is completed afterward, within 48 hours after completionArticle 33, §11-401(a)

September 23-25, 2002 (Depending on when appropriate results are certified)Monday-Wednesday (or later)Deadline for declination of nomination by candidate before the General ElectionWithin 2 days after election results are certifiedArticle 33, §5-801(b)(2)(I)

September 23, 2002; MondayState Board convenes to certify statewide election results 2 days after official results received from local boardsArticle 33, § 11-501

September 24, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline to request final public contributions for Primary Second Tuesday following Primary, applies only to candidates for Governor and Lt. Governor who are eligible to receive public funding, covers contributions received through PrimaryCOMAR 33.14.02.06A

September 26, 2002; Thursday By 5:00PMDeadline for central committee to fill vacancy in nomination to office entirely within one county caused by resignation or death of a candidateThe later of the 40th day before the General election or the 5th day following the vacancyArticle 33, §5-1004

September 30, 2002; MondayDeadline for gubernatorial ticket to file notice of intent to qualify for public funding in General election (if public funding not received in Primary), with certification that required seed money has been receivedFive days after State Board declares candidates for Governor and Lt. GovernorCOMAR 33.14.02.04A

September 30, 2002; Monday By 5:00PMDeadline for SBE to certify content and arrangement of General election ballotNot more than 18 days after PrimaryArticle 33, §9-207(a)(2)(ii)

October 15, 2002; Tuesday By 9:00 PMLast day to register to vote before General (See below for extended deadline for voter registration applications received by mail)21st day before electionArticle 33, §§2-302 & 3-302

October 15, 2002; TuesdayDeadline to request voter registration lists. (New requests will not be taken until registration reopens on 11/18/2002)On or before voter registration deadlineCOMAR 03.03.02.05(c)

October 15, 2002; Tuesday By 9:00PMDeadline for elderly or disabled voter to apply for reassignment to an accessible polling placeClose of voter registration for electionArticle 33, §10-102(b)(1)

October 21, 2002; Monday By 5:00PMDeadline for candidates who received public funding in Primary to report amount and purpose for all public funds spentSixth Monday after Primary COMAR 33.14.02.10A

October 25, 2002; Friday By 5:00PMDeadline for first Pre-General Campaign Fund ReportSecond Friday before General Election, applies to all continuing campaign accounts and 2002 non-continuing accounts (complete through October 20)Article 33, §13-401(a)(2)

October 29, 2002; Tuesday By 4:30PM or before midnight if by FAXDeadline for receipt of Absentee Ballot applications for General ElectionTuesday before electionCOMAR 33.11.02.02D

October 30, 2002; Wednesday By 5:00PMDeadline for filing as write-in candidateWrite-in candidate must file certificate of candidacy within 7 days after spending $51 or more, but not later than 5:00PM on Wednesday before electionArticle 33, §5-303(c)(2)

October 30 -- November 5, 2002; Wednesday -- Tuesday By 8:00PMPeriod for receipt of late Absentee Ballot application from voter or authorized agentStarting Wednesday before election through 8:00PM on election dayCOMAR 33.11.02.04A

November 5, 2002; Tuesday By 8:00PMExtended deadline for receipt of Voter Registration Application (VRA) by mail, for voting in GeneralA VRA received by mail after the October 15 deadline is timely if it is postmarked, by the U.S. Postal Service or the postal office of any other country, or in certain cases if the applicant's affidavit shows that it was mailed, on or before October 15.Article 33, §3-302(c) COMAR 33.05.04.01C,D

November 5, 2002; Tuesday By 8:00PMDeadline for receipt of General Absentee Ballots An Absentee Ballot is timely received if it reaches the local board before the polls close on election day, regardless of whether it came by mail or personal delivery.COMAR 33.11.03.08

November 6, 2002; Wednesday By 4:00PMExtended deadline for receipt of General Absentee Ballots by mailPostmark must show that ballot was mailed before election day. In certain cases when a postmark is unavailable, a voter affidavit will suffice.COMAR 33.11.03.08

November 8, 2002; FridayAnnual Campaign Fund Report for all open non-continuing campaign accounts (unless report is due on November 26 for 2002 account)Applies to 2000 non-continuing campaign accounts and all future non-continuing campaign accounts (established for 2003 & beyond), must include all transactions from last required report through November 1, 2001Article 33, §13-401(b)

November 11, 2002; MondayDeadline for Gubernatorial candidates to return unspent public funds60 days after Primary Article 33, §15-106(b)

November 15, 2002; Friday By 4:00PMExtended deadline for receipt of General Absentee Ballots by mail from outside the United StatesSecond Friday after election, postmark must show that ballot was mailed before election day. In certain cases when a postmark is unavailable, a voter affidavit will suffice.COMAR 33.11.03.08B

November 15, 2002; FridayDeadline for local boards to verify vote countWithin 10 days after election, and before certifying results of the electionArticle 33, § 11-306(a)

November 15, 2002 or 48 hours after Completion of canvass; FridayLocal boards report official General Election results of canvassers to Governor, SBE, and clerk of circuit courtSecond Friday after election, or if canvass is completed afterward, within 48 hours after completionArticle 33, §11-401(a)

November 26, 2002; Tuesday By 5:00PMDeadline for Post-General Campaign Fund ReportThird Tuesday after General Election, applies to all continuing and 2002 non-continuing campaign accounts, must include all transactions through November 19Article 33, §13-401(a)(3)

December 10, 2002; TuesdayDeadline for State Board of Canvassers to convene to certify elections results35 days after General ElectionArticle 33, § 11-503(a)

December 16, 2002; Monday By 5:00PMDeadline for candidates who received public funding to report amount and purpose for all public funds spentSixth Monday after General ElectionCOMAR 33.14.02.10A

January 6, 2003; MondayDeadline for candidates to return unspent public funds60th day after General ElectionArticle 33, §15-106(b)

January 15, 2003; MondayAnnual Campaign Finance Report for all continuing and open non-continuing campaign accountsMust include all transactions from last required report through January 8, 2003Article 33, §13-401(b)(1), (d)(1)